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About Our Council

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT


Dear Members and Guests,

Welcome to the official website of the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland. Our website is designed primarily to keep you apprised of upcoming Council events and to assist you in finding qualified professionals and resources related to the field of estate planning.

Founded in the 1930s, The Estate Planning Council of Cleveland now boasts over 450 members, making it the fifth largest estate planning council in the country. Our membership constituency includes a diverse array of professionals working in the Greater Cleveland, Ohio area, including attorneys, accountants, bankers & trust officers, financial planners, insurance agents, appraisers and representatives from various charitable organizations. We are a diverse group of professionals committed to expanding estate planning knowledge and expertise, growing professional contacts & relationships, and, ultimately, enhancing the community by facilitating superior client service.

As we move through the 2008-09 year, our Council can reflect on an admirable history centered primarily on keeping its membership uniquely and comprehensively informed on cutting-edge estate planning developments and established strategies. Over the years, this has been accomplished by attracting national figures (such as Stacy Eastland, Natalie Choate, Tax Court Judge David Laro, Jonathan Blattmachr and Professor Jeffrey Pennell) to address the membership; showcasing prominent local practitioners at educational monthly luncheons; providing monthly updates on significant recent estate planning developments; publishing an annual Estate Planning Supplement in Crain’s Cleveland Business; and, in 2003, hosting the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils 40th Annual Conference.In addition, the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland has proudly honored leading local practitioners with its Annual Distinguished Estate Planner of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the estate planning field. (Congratulations to our 2008 recipient, Marcia J. Wexberg, an attorney with Calfee Halter & Griswold, LLP.)

The Estate Planning Council of Cleveland is excited to continue and build upon these fine programs and traditions during the coming year. The 2008-09 monthly agenda is, as always, ambitious, practical, and balanced among our membership disciplines, and this year has more of a national flavor than ever before.

Finally, our Council is in the process of implementing several significant initiatives to better serve and enhance our membership. For example, we now offer one-hour of CPE Credit for Accountants and CE Credit for CFP’s per qualifying luncheon and, in separate undertakings, the Board is working diligently to bolster membership, further enhance our website, and foster community among Council membership.

Please feel free to browse our website for more information on our Council and its members, as well as events planned for 2008-09, membership criteria & applications and website links of particular interest.

Very truly yours,

Christopher P. Jakyma, CTFA
Key Private Bank
President

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